Mythos: Combines several myths intermingled into one image. The base of the image is Earth, upon which walks the Indigenous American concept of a turtle as Turtle Island. From Turtle Island grows a plum tree breaking into fragrant spring bloom, a signature of hope and renewal in the coming of Spring for the artist. A Dove, representative of the Holy Spirit (Catholicism/Christianity), swoops down to encourage and assist the Turtle in order to support and rescue an evolving planetary misuse into crisis. A second view of Planet Earth is seen through the upper branches of the tree. It contains a USA money sign, the cent ('c' with a line through it, partially obscured) representing the commercially destructive nature of accumulation, the planet bought and consumed. The deep blue of night sweeps upward into space forming a complex of shapes and colors topped off by a Cicada (Image #2), symbolic of Biblical Plagues. Pareidolia is incorporated into the upper plague component.

Structure: The painting surface is composed of two attached canvases.

This work and the collection submitted are part of Witness Tree Projects. “Witness Tree” grew out of Trees as Teachers: Connecting to the Wisdom of Self and Nature.

Descriptive: Trees are wisdom keepers. They stand in a single place on the earth’s surface and faithfully witness the unfolding of time. Like people, trees observe their surroundings, root where welcomed, reach toward nourishment, and hold close where limited. They form scar tissue when wounded and can adapt to change. Examining the lives of trees offers critical insights for human well-beings and survival, showing us when and how life thrives and falters.

“Witness tree” is an expression used for trees that mark boundaries, act as signposts and directional, or witness key events in history and local culture – celebratory and tragic. Trees also witness the in-between moments that are precious and informative in their own right. Through this collaborative witnessing of trees and people, we hope to foster a world that is richer and more sustainable for both.

Witness Tree Projects embrace wellness and healthy communities in environment, through art and conversation using trees as real and metaphoric teachers. Rooted in creative practice and innovation, Witness Tree projects bring artists, scientists, educators, businesses, farmers, civil society organizations, governments, and other thought leaders together to develop and work in a new “story space” or narrative, leading to inclusive, generative, respectful, and productive community outcomes. Witness Tree’s mission is to help communities create a new generation of holistic, inclusive stories or narratives about their desired futures.